Prepare Every Needful Thing.

How sad do you feel when you read about Haiti? To be honest, I really avoid reading about and can't really look at those sad pictures - it makes me cry. That made me think about a lot of things. One of them was how blessed I am and if I am prepared if something like that happened here.

As members of the (LDS) Church we have been counseled for many many years to prepare and keep on hand at least a one-year supply of food. In the early days of our church the Saints were admonished to have a 7 year food supply. Then, for many years there was a time when a two-year supply was recommended, (and it undoubtedly would be a good idea for each of us to still keep a two-year supply if at all possible as
this will allow us to share with others).

But in the meantime it is imperative that we heed the current counsel to obtain and maintain at least a one-year minimum emergency food supply.

According to figures gathered by one of the food storage manufacturing firms, less than 6% of the members of the Church have an adequate emergency program.

Where do you fit into this figure?

Let’s enjoy life as much as we can - but let’s also be prepared. As we have recently seen, an unexpected disaster or loss of income can strike every s-o-o quickly.

“When the emergency is upon us,

the time of preparation has passed.”

How Do I Start My Food Storage?

“Church members can begin their home storage by storing the basic foods that would be required to keep them alive if they did not have anything else to eat. Depending on where members live, those basics might include water, wheat or other grains, legumes, salt, honey or sugar, powdered milk, and cooking oil. … When members have stored enough of these essentials to meet the needs of their family for one year, they may decide to add other items that they are accustomed to using day to day.

“Some members do not have the money or space for such storage, and some are prohibited by law from storing a year’s supply of food. These members should store as much as their circumstances allow. Families who do not have the resources to acquire a year’s supply can begin their storage by obtaining supplies to last for a few months.

Members should be prudent and not panic or go to extremes in this effort. Through careful planning, most Church members can, over time, establish both a financial reserve and a year’s supply of essentials.” 13Jan 20, 2002 First Presidency Letter

I did some (more) research and saw that I am very far from being prepared. But we have to start with the basics, right? So right now, I think we would "survive" ok...
There are MANY sources over the internet that you can find lots of information on food storage and emergency preparedness.

One site that I really like is Food Storage Made Easy. They have a great 'plan' to build your storage in, what they call, 10 Baby Steps.

You can also go to LDS.org and find very useful information there.

Why Should We Have Food Storage?

I have my personal reasons, but in a message from the First Presidency we read:

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."
—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

We have already 'lived' on our food storage two or three times since we've been married. Last time, was almost a year ago when Julio (DH) lost his job and couldn't find one for nine months! I was able to stay home, but had to cut down on MANY things and after all I was so grateful that we had some food put aside! So whatever happens, I am NEVER letting my food storage go low!!!

Again, the First Presidency, tell us what we should have stored.

**Three-Month Supply
Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage


**Drinking Water

Store drinking water for circumstances in which the water supply may be polluted or disrupted.
If water comes directly from a good, pretreated source, then no additional purification is needed; otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for juices and soft drinks.
Keep water containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight.


**Financial Reserve

Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money each week and gradually increasing it to a reasonable amount.


**Longer-Term Supply

For longer-term needs, and where permitted, gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.
These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply.

I will try to post some more specific info about each item above.

If you have any ideas on the subject, LET ME KNOW!! Leave a comment...